Chapter 22 #3
Why was it when he was pushed, he always reacted the same? He shut down completely, his entire body tensing, acting as if he was going to climb off the bed. “The subject is off limits.”
“Oh, no, you don’t. Tit for tat. If you want me to talk to you then you need to share whatever this horrible experience was for you. Maybe I can free the chains wrapped around your neck. Which is really what’s keeping you from chasing your dream.”
“How would you know that’s what’s happening?”
Yanking myself free, I wrapped my arms around his neck, clinging to him.
“You mean because I’m not a wolf? Well, excuse me,” I teased, noticing the haunted look appearing in his eyes all over again.
“Because I learned a long time ago that my instincts were always spot on. Not that I followed them, but I trust what my gut is telling me. That’s all you’re going to get. ”
“Maybe I’ll butt in,” he muttered. “However, I don’t have some asshole lurking in the shadows. Talk, my mate. Or else.”
“Such a stubborn man.” All the playfulness couldn’t detract from the notion that I was his mate. Was it possible I’d hit my head, waking up in an alternative universe? That was the only explanation for why I wasn’t packing my bag and running for the hills.
Wait. Did shifters control the mountains?
“Thank you very much,” he growled. “I need to live up to the standards you’ve placed in front of me.”
As soon as I let go, I thumped back onto the bed, but he had no intention of allowing me to walk away from the conversation, leaning over with his eyes darting back and forth across mine.
What struck me more than the usual heartache I felt about the subject was that I felt nothing. No pain. No anger. Just… nothing.
There was a tenderness about him that defied all logic given the savage the man was on the ice.
Given the tingling sensations constantly annoying me, I was forced to admit that the combination was irresistible.
I traced his shoulder blade with my index finger aimlessly, trying to work up the courage to talk to him.
When he took my hand, bringing my finger to his mouth, a heavy sigh left my throat.
The moment he sucked on my finger, all the tension eased. This man wouldn’t hurt me. On the contrary. This handsome hunk of a wolf would do anything to keep me safe.
“Hoffman Carrington was a man who swept me off my feet when I needed a break from my mother’s illness.
He taught a class when I was still in med school.
He was impressive as hell, older and treated me as if I was his princess.
However, as with every fairytale, both his true personality and a nightmare was released once he thought he had me under his thumb. ”
“Hoffman Carrington.” He stated my ex’s name as if committing it to memory. “What did the fucker do?” His entire demeanor had changed, shadows crossing his face.
“At first, just a few annoyances I chalked up to his long hours and grueling work. He didn’t like my choice of clothing when we went out so he purchased an entirely new wardrobe.
When he started spending nights in my tiny apartment, there was always some tension.
He started to complain about how I cleaned my house, advising me how things should be since we were both medical professionals.
I was stupid enough to try and accommodate him.
There was a movie in the eighties where the woman was forced to keep towels hanging just so and cans facing forward in the cabinets.
He was that anal retentive. And before you ask, the only reason I tolerated his bullshit was because I was barely holding it together with my mother.
He was at least there, a shoulder to cry on. ”
“Fucking son of a bitch.”
“Yeah, he is. Extremely and professionally manipulative, including ensuring that even if I found a way of returning to medical school, I’d be blacklisted. You don’t threaten to leave a man like Hoffman.”
“But you did leave him.” Ford’s chest rose and fell, the same pointed look in his eyes as I’d seen when finding it difficult to control his anger.
I clasped my hands over my face. “Yeah, I had to. After one particularly ugly moment, I found an unconventional way of ensuring I could move on without him.” Whether or not he could hear me, I wasn’t certain. He pulled my hands free, peering down at me with a way too sexy expression on his face.
“The movie you mentioned. You copied the movie you were talking about,” he said, grinning as he did.
“You’ve seen it. I thought Julia Roberts was perfect in the role. You’re right. I faked my own death just like she did. I figured if pretending to drown worked for her, why not for me.” I don’t know what I expected, but seeing the delight in his eyes wasn’t it.
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. That’s why I’m here. My father and the coach go way back.”
“Where was this faked death?” He sat up, curling his arms around his bent knees.
“In the Atlantic near the Bahamas.” I bit my lower lip when he realized how much danger I’d placed myself in.
“Let me get this straight.” Ford scrubbed his jaw, the deep timbre of his low-slung growl denoting an entirely different emotion and one I couldn’t adequately identify.
“Instead of possibly getting a restraining order and locking this bastard out of your life, you decided to risk bodily harm or death instead.”
“I’m an excellent swimmer. Although much like the movie, I can’t stand the ocean. So a little feat for me, conquering a fear.”
“Good for you in conquering your fears, but in the middle of the ocean where are there are sharks?” His expression was incredulous.
When I bit my lip, I could tell I wasn’t going to get off so easily.
“Honestly, you don’t know the man and how far his tentacles reach.
He also threatened my dad. My friends. Don’t worry.
A friend of mine’s brother was a member of the coast guard and retrieved me from the water.
Then I was taken to a designated place in Florida where my friend was waiting with clothes, etc.
From there I fenced my engagement ring and a lovely tennis bracelet he thought would ease the pain of my latest bruises.
Then I traveled across the country and voilà, became your worst nightmare. ”
I was surprised when he didn’t say anything.
“Wait. You’re angry with me.” I didn’t know how to react seeing his blank expression.
“No, I’m angry with this Hoffman dude. However, you’re an entirely different story.”
“And what exactly does that mean?”
“That you’re sorely lacking in obedience.”
Seeing the shit-eating grin on the man’s face, I knew exactly what he had in mind. I could read his thoughts loud and clear, all the naughty ideas swimming in that big brain of his.
“Oh, no, you don’t,” I groaned.
“Oh, yes, I do.”
Perhaps there was something to be said for being his mate.
Other than the hot sex of course.
When he managed to yank me over his lap, the shifter in him exposed in his swift actions, I didn’t have a chance to deny nor escape before he brought his hand down against my bottom.
Not once but several times.
After the fifth crack of his hand, I realized something very important.
The bastard had managed to avoid discussing his personal life.
Again.